Pressure-filter.



C. W. MERRILL.

PRESSURE FILTER.

APPLICATION FILED MARA 7, 1900,

Patented Dee. l, 1908.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

wah

Agi

//% 77 Ry luk ffomey,

WITNESSES: ce? ,d

c. W. MERRILL.

PRESSURE FILTER. APLIGATION FILED 15.411,7, 1906,

Patented Dem. 1908.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 2 IN VE NTOR By /m Aff/army', y Wg;

C. W. MERRILL. PRESSURE FILTER. APPLIUATIQN FILED MAR.7,19o.

Patented Dec. 1. 1908,

10 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

WITNESSES: INVENTOR By luk /forney, www

905,341 A A Patented Dec. 1.190@

1G SHEETS--SHEET i INVENTOR C. W. MERRILL.

PRESSURE FILTER.

APPLIGATIDN FILED MAR. 7. 190s.

Patented Dee.v 1, 1908v 10 SHEETS-SHEET IN VE NTOR:

By lm` .4f/army M Mmm@ New

C. W. MERRILL.

PRESSURE FILTER.

APPLIUATIUN NLED MAR. v, w06.

905,341 Patented Dec. 1. 1908.

A10 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

VVlTNESSES:

[NVENTGR G. W. MERRILL.

PRESSURE FILTER.

APPLIGATION FILED MAB. v, 190e.

Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

WITNESSES; dd;

INVENTOR C. W. MERRILL.

PRESSURE FILTER.

APPLIGATION FILE MAR. 7, 190s.

Patented Dec, 1, 1":-

10 SHEETS STAHL I() INVEN'TOR WITNESSES; 57 a/ wmjmm'@ CHARLES W. MERRILL, 0F LEAD, SOUTH DAKOTA.

PRESSURE-FILTER.

Speccation'of L titers Patent.

Patented Dec. 1, 1908.

Application tiled March 7, 1906. Serial N0. 304,722.

To alt whom it may concern:

le it known that I. CnAaLnsW. MERRILL, a` citizen of the lnited States. and resident of Lead, county of Lawrence. State of South Dakota. ha\e invented a new and useful Improvement in Pressure-Filters. of which the following is a specification.

M v invention relatesl to improvements in apparatus for separating untilterahle material from a mixture of ilterable and unfilteralile matter, and it` particularly relates to improvements in pressure filters in which the separation and treatment of such material etfected.

The primary object of my invention is to facilitate and cheapen the removal Jfrom thc containers or filter presses, of the material which will not pass through the filtering medium.

A further object is to permit of' the independent introduction of cleansing. precipitating, or other material to the containers.

still further object is to effect a rapid removal of' the uutilterahle material which accumulates in the containers ot' the press without separating the units ot' the press.

In the operation of tilter presses or similar filters. it is customaryv to separate the units of which cach press is composed and remove the solid. cmisolid or unfiltcralile material from the distance frame or container separately. usually hv hand. This method is naturally expensive iniolving so much hand lahor for each ot' the many cakes to he removed. and furthermore the wear and tear on the tiltering mediuniecoveringthe filter plates. is heav)r and the time so occupied during which the press cannot he used t'or filtering. greatly reduces its capacity per unit of time.. Hence the scope of the ordinalv filter press is limited to the separation ot' solids from liquids to `ases where the value of such materials is such as to permit ot" the 'expenses outlined ahove. Furthermore. the neccssitv ot' removing the filtered material from eacl. distance frame or container separately. results in the use of deep distance frames in order to increase their separate capacity. The resultant thick cake of solid or semi-solid material increases the pressure necessary to accomplish the filtering and thus adds another factor to the cost ot' operating said filter presses. Furthermore. the use of high pressures has limited the sig/.e ot filter presses heretofore to ahont six Kms capacity, whereas my press can he i differently arranged in each figure. Fig. Q2

constructed up to 50 and even 100 tons capacity in favorable cases with economical cost factors. 4This increase in size necessitates other improvements.

The present invention will be hest understood by reference to the accompanying ten sheets of drawiii in which VFigure 1 is a plan view of a filter plant showing two presses pnt together side h v side. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal elevation of a plant showing the arrangement ot' the feed and discharge pipes. Fig. `Il is an end clevation of a plant looked at in the direction from left to right in Fig. Fig. l is a vertical section of a plant on the line -.X of Fig. 2. looking in the direction of the ar rows. Fig. 5 is an elevation parti)7 in vertical section on two diti'erent planes of one end of a plant showing the arrangement of the containers omitting the solution pipes and their connections. Fig. t' is a vertical elevation of a ditfcrent form ot mechanism for actuating the washout mechanism. Fig. T is a vertical elevation of one end of the presses showing the solution pipes and their connections. Fig. t is a` vertical section on three different planes of the containers when put together in the press on the lines lw. D-D. ot' Fig. .l. Fig. E) is an elevation of the upper part of the torni of containers shown in Fig. H. Fig. l() is an ele s tion of a t'vpe of container which mayy he eniplo'ved. if convenient. in connection with a closed delivery press. Fig. 1] is an end view of the form of container shown in Fig. 10. Figs. 12. 13 and 11 are a sectional elevation. plan view and vertical section of a de tail of the feed. Fig. 12 heing taken on Vthe line F-F. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 heing taken on the line E--E of Fig. '12. Fig.\15 is a detail view of a part of the `solution discharge. Fig. 1G is a vertical longitudinal section ot' a forni of container for use in an open de diver)7 press -on the line K---K of Fig. 1T. Fig. 1T is a vertical cross section on the line L-L of Fig.V 16 of a series put to? gether. Fig. 18 a vertical cross section of a series of containers showing the rotative supply pipe in a different position. F ig. 19 is a vertical end view of the simplest form of container shown merely for the purpose of making the series complete. Figs. 20 and Q1 are end views of one of the filter plates .showing groovesl through which the discharge of the filtrate is effected somewhat isa vertical cross section on the line O-O of Fig. :23 of one end ot' the filter plates showmg the grooves through which the discharge is effected. Fig. 23 is an enlarged front. view of one end of the filter plates shown in Fiv. 20. Figs. 21 to 26 inclusive, are detailed views in elevation plan and cross section ot' a mechanism for examining into the interior of the containers, Fig. 26 being taken on the line P-P of Figs. 24 and 25. Figs. 2T to 29 inclusive, are enlarged detailed views in elevation cross section and plan respectively of the washout mechanism.

Similar' letters refer to similar parts throughout the several viei's.

General c/Lrf,i'actcrscs.-Iii Figs. l and 2 a filter press is shown of what is called the closed delivery l type as distinguished from the open delivery type. ln the former type. the filtrate is discharged into a. suitable channel within the filter press. Whereas in the open delivery system the filtrate from each filter plate is discharged through a special opening into a trough or other receptacle for collecting the saine on the exterior of the press. but I do not limit myself to any type of delivery of the filter4 able component.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, s represents, what is for convenience termed, the stationary end of the press; liy the frame ot' the press; is a screw which forces the 1novable end or follower head t forward in the frame by means of the wheels 'E or any other convenient mechanism. 'w are the exterior f 'ames of a series of containers., and g g are the filter plates. All of these devices and parts are common to the ordinary form of filter press. These elements, when set up. compose two filter presses placed side by sid-` as shown in Figs. l, 2, 3 and 4. For convenience. the different parts of the apparatus will be described separately.

Tic )W/r i'utesf-Tlhe filter plates are preferably of the construction shown in Figs. if. Q1, 22 and 23, which show the form of filter plate adapted to be used in connection with the various forms of container hereinafter described. Each filter plate is provided with yone or more openings a through which the liquids, vapors or gases pass, and which, with the corresponding opening in the scribed when placed together in the filter press, make a continuous passage` d is a corresponding inlet through which the material to be filtered is introduced. which inlet Vis of the same general character as that 1n the containers and becomes continuous when the various parts are put together in the filter press. The filtrate from the plates passes into the grooves 8, and thus may be discharged either from each plate separately by what has heretofore been referred to as the open delivery system, or it may be dis-- containers hereina ftcr den charged into an opening a a as shown in the various views. When tour openings a a are provided in the container as shown in the construction shown in Figs. 10 and 1S), the filter plates have of' necessity to be of the forni shown in those figures and to be provided with similar openings L a. In this case every other plate is reversed so that the grooves 8 connect alternately with each side of the press, as is shown in Figs. 20 and 21.

The conminera-Various constructions of containers may be used without departing from the spirit of my invention. is in each case the frame of the container which may be square in cross section `or of' any other convenient shape.

rl`he type of container shown in Figs. 10. 1 1 and 19, is assumed to be used in the various views showing thc pipe connections other than Figs. 8 and tl. ln it 0 is an opening or outlet in the ring 1t), formed in the bottoni of the container through which the semisolid or the uutiltt-rable material. hereinafter for convenient-,e called the unfilterable comptaient, is removed from the containers, and which. when a series of containers is put together in a til'ler press makes a continuous passage through the press which is closed at the ends in any convenient manner and can be arranged to discharge into any suitable receptacle. I prefer toV use a downward discharge or other suction producing device, because by such means the level of the pulp in the discharge channel is kept low, and the cutting action of the streamfrom the nozzle is thus rendered more eflicient. o is a corresponding inlet for treating the unlilterable component in place with, liquids, vapors or gaf-Les. and which is preferably placed at` either or both upper corners of the container. or at al] four corners as shown, and in like manner forms a continuous passage or passages when the `containers are placed together 1n the filter press. d 1s an inlet in a ring 13 formed on the upper wall of' the container through which the material to be filtered is introA duced. whichinlet is of the same general character and becomes a continuous passage when the containers are put together within the filter press. and is provided with the openings 9 from which the material is introduced from the passage d into the chamber.

The details of construction shown in Figs. 1o and 11 areapplicable to all containers of the different types hereinbefore described. ln these views the container is shown provided with hangers e which carry rollers u.

for the purpose of facilitating the movementy of the containers upon the frame la of the press. For the purposes of aiding the operation of washing out the uufilterable coniponent the bottom of the container is made sloping from each side towards the Ycenter. and the sides are shown truss shaped, thus Vdi() combining `strength with lightness of construction, ,which Vis a matter of great importgle in largejpresses. This particular type is; Igp provided with a wedge shaped rib b dgscribed and claimed by me in United States Letters Patent No. 813,011 heretofore issued to 1ne,`for the purpose of facilitating the treatment of the untilterable component. j lrrjthe 4construction of container shown in Figs, `165 l'and 18, il is the inlet, through wlnclrthe material to he filtered is introduced, which, inlet is of the saine general dmracteras before and fornil a continuous passage when the containers are put together inthe tilterpprcss. It is provided with the inlets 9l as before leading into the interior, ct` yis the inlet for treating the uniilterable component in place.

In the construction shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 1.8, the washout as well as the discharge is eifected through a rectangular opening 11 in the bottoni of the container, which opening is closed preferably by mean-s of a slidinggate l2. Fig. 21. shows the gates closed, and Fig. 2Q shows theln open.

y The 10aa/zout daniela-The washing out of the solid contents of the containers is effected without reference to the forni of container used by means of any device which is capable of introducing a suitable volume of cleansing medium, either liquid, gas or vapor, at any desired angle or angles, or any desired point or points, into each container.

I prefer in practice to employ a` rotative pipe provided with suitable nozzles, slits or openi es of any convenient length or size through vhich liquid, vapor or gas, is introduced into each of the containers under pressure at any desired angle for the purpose of washing out or removing the unlilterahle component. rlhe simplest construction of this device is shown in Figs. l0.` 11 and 19, in which a pipe u.' and single nozzle y entering into each chamber is shown placed within the container.

In the constructon f or use with open delivery shown in Figs. 1G, 17 and i8. the rotative pipe is provided with a similar series of nozzles i/ .1/ which enter throu;h openings fll into 4each container. which opening il is closed in each case by means of a sliding' gaitelQ: Fig. 17 shows the gate closed, and Fie'. 15S-shows itopcn. and the pipe n vrotated so that the :nozzles .r/ j/ enter into the opeiiings in such a manner as to permit of a discharge into the interior of the conta iners.

The rotation of the pipe u' may be effected b v hand or by an convenient mechanical device. .in practice it may be found con 'jvenieut io etl'ect it by nieaus of the devices1 shown in Figs. i'i and (i. These show the pipe ir carlying on its outer end, a pinion ,47.which engages with a slidingl rack lo :arranged to more upwards and downwards nature shown in Fig.

in a suitable frame G0 as shown lin Figs. o and G. i The movement of the rack 4:6 is controlled by means of a rod 72 actuated by a cam device which may be either of theo or that shown in Fig. (3. In the first view a cylinder 45 is shown rotating on a shaft 69 supported on brackets (31 and (53 which movement is i111- parted from any convenient source of power by a shaft (i5 carrying a pinion 70 engaging with a pinion Tl on the shaft T2. The'face of the cylinder t5 is provided with a cam groove titi and a` roller (i2 on the rod 72 e11- gages therewith, and the effect of the rotary motion of the cylinder is to cause the rod to move upward or downward with a varying degree of speed according to the curvature of the groove. The heartshaped cani shown in Fig. (i is an equivalent device. In this construction the cam is attached to the horizontal shaft (55 and rotates in a vertical plane. The vertical rod 72 contains a roller (S2 as before, which is free to move in a corresponding groove 6G on the cani or disk. As the cam rotates at a uniform velocity the roller ren'lains fixed as to horizontal motion but moves vertically as the radins from the center of the cani to the position of the roller increasesy or decreases. The vertical motion is equal to the change in length of this radius. The velocity of vertical inotion is dependent upon the change in the length of this radius accordil'ig to thc degree of the angle or the center of rotation. Both of the vgrooves tt whether on the cylinder shown in Fig. 5, or in the heart-shaped cam shown in Fig. t3, are preferably so designed as to produce a nozzle speed approximatelyr inverseby proportion to the distance from the nozzle to the interior boundary of the container.

The container feed porzs.-Certain of the containers are provided with feed inlets which are connected with the Isupply pipe through which the material to be treated enters In the press shown in Figs. 1 and l show six ot these feed inlets, but I may use any number. For the purposes of facilitating the treatment in place and the removal of the uniilterable component each feed inht used is provided with tapering feed portsI as shown in i2, 13 and 14V. The elfe-,cl of this coir-1truction is that when the container is filled with the unfilterable component the wedge shaped block of solid or ,seuil-solid material which forms in the feed port preventsI an)Y squeezing back into the channel. and also ,slips out easily when pressure is applied in the channel to effect, another filling. 1When [his forni of feed pol-itis` wed in connection with the feed inlets.. it is sometimes preferable to nlakc the 'feed channel ff evterio. to the plates and frame :n shown in Figs. t; and Sl; the lilter cloth over the plate which in the other views matics the joint. between the containers and l the I ilates. being in this case below this channel, and a, ring i8 of rubber or other i suitable material is used titting in a recess on the face olu the extension ot' the container which forms the feed channel or in any other convenient. manner thus making a tight'. joint :u shown in Fig. 8.

The Solution oulcs--Certain ot' the containers are provided with outlets from the solution channel o wher-eb the filtrate or the liquid gas oi i'ziptir emp oycd for treating the unlilterabie component in place muy be introduced or removed. Any number of such outlets may be used, but in the form of press shown in Figs. l and 2` four such solution outlets ou either side are shown. Fig. 15 shows the. manner in which the chan nel a of the containers provided with the solution outlets are connected with the pipe through which the introduction or discharge is etiected.

The container inspecting dcuice.-lt`igs. 24, and 26 show a device for permitting access to and inspection ol' the interior ot the containers as well as for the introduction of material for purifying thc liquid to be I`1ltercd, such as charcoal. In this construction, the upper surface of the container ai is pros vided with an opening 8f), preferably rectan gular, and ot suitable dimensions, clearly shown in pian View by the dotted lines in Figs. 24 and 25, and in cross section in Fig. 2G. The bloei; 33 is held in position in the opening in the container by the swiveling bolts and nuts all) at either end, passing through slots at either end of the block 23B. as shown in Fig. 25. By unscrewing the handle nuts at each end, the block may be i lifted out olf the opening by the handle 34. l and access to the interior of the container may be had through the opening SU. iivhen the bloeit is in place land the nuts screwed down, a water tight joint is effected. This peep-gate o r opening is particularly useful 1n determining when the washinor out ot' the containers; is complete, and in adjusting the angularity of the nozzles y gj of the rotative pipe w to the vertical artis of the containers.

The disc/large outlets-Certain of the containers are provided With discharge outlets which connect with the discharge pipe 38. Any number of these outlets may be pro vided. but in the-form of press shown in Figs. 1 and 2 six are shown. This connection is effected in the press shown by the six pipes. 2li. 27. 28, 29, irl() and 3l, as shown in Fig. 2, altes being provided as shown in Figs. and

Figs. 53T, 28. and 20, show ou a large scale, the details of the forni of outlet, used in connecting the containers connected with the discharge pipes 26, 2T, 2S, 2t', SO and Ill. rFliese are shown connected with the discharge pipes by any suitable form of valves. i

The construction consists of cone-shaped projections with an opening 16 formed on the bottom oi' the container below the ring 10 terminating in a Iflange 17 of the shap: shown or in a threaded opening. By ma ing the outlets in this form the level-of the pulp which is the technical name for the mixture of untilterable component and cleansing medium in the channel o is reduced thereby preventing the nozzles y y from be- 'ing immersed in the pulp which interferes with the cutting effect upon the mass Within the container of the stream of liquid, Vapor or gas introduced therethrough and also reducing the amount thereof consumed, and the time expended in Washing out.

I The z'uZe and outlet pipes- The arrangement and disposition of these will be best understood by reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,

and T. ln the various views Where it. appears, is the main supply pipe through which the material to be filtered is intro duced. This in the plant shown is placed over the presses crosswise to their length as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. It iscontrolled by a gate or valve 50 and connects with the pipe 3T, from which a series of pipesQO, 21., 22, 22 2l and 25 emerge on either side and pass downward to the two presses and enter the containers as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 at; convenient points, thus making in each of the presses shown six inlets; 38 is the main discharge pipe which is connected by any convenient number of pipes 9", 27, 28, 29, 30

I and 31, with six discharge outlets in the con miners by means of the tapering discharge ports 1G.

44- are the pipes through which the solution for the treatment of the contents of the container is introduced into the presses. 'lf heir arrangement and disposition is best shown in Figs. 2, 3 and i'. As will be seen,

`there are four of these pipes placed side by side, above the presses at the closed end. These have separate pipes emerging from them, 40 and 42. The ri ht hand` air of pipes 44 in Fig. 7 is provi ed with t e connecting pipes 51 and 52, with appropriate valves, whereby 4they may be connected with the pipe 42. The pipe 42 passes downward along the end of each ress, and connects at the base with the pipe eadin to the channel u at the lower left hand si e of the press. The pipe 40 connects as shown in Fig. 3 with the openings o` at the upper side of the press and thence passes downward and into the s0- lution sum under the press. 32 are the solution outlets of which four are shown through which the iilterable component is discharged from the presses. These connect into the channels 0. on the lower corners of the containers on either side and terminate as shown in Figs. 1,2, 3,4, and 7, in the pipesv il, running longitudinally along under the containers on either side. These discharge through the pipes 39 as shown inFigs. 1, 2 and 4, into the conduit under the plant or to any other convenient receptacle.

43 is the pipe through which the sluicing liquid enters, and this is connected with the pipe fw and the entrance of the sluicin water is controlled by the movement o the valve 53.

The method of operation of the press is as follows: all openings and valves controlling openings being assumed to be closed. First all the clarified liquid and gaseous outlet valves are opened in the pipes 39 and 41, and then the valve 50 from the main feed pipe to the lateral feed ipe 3T is opened as well as valves in the plpes 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and The mixture then kpasses into the top center continuous feed channel d, whence it finds its way through the tapering feed ports t) into each container. The filter plates y are covered with filtering material which completes the closure of the containers so far as the untilterable component of the ngixture is concerned, the filterable component passes through the filtering medium and out through the grooves or cores 8 in the plate; from these grooves or cores it passes in the case of a closed delivery press into the container channels a and in the case of an open delivery press directly to the exterior. In either case it may be collected and saved or Wasted as desired. In the closed delivery formof press shown, any waste filterable component is discharged into the conduit m,

and any filterable liquid which it is desired to save is discharged into the solution sump at the head of the press, whence it `is conveyed by the pipes 18 thereunder Wherever desired.

'When the containers or frames are Iilled with the unilterable component if it is desired to treat the materlal in )lace by a liquid. vapor or gas, such liqui vapor or gas is introduced through the pipes 40 and 4Q to one or both of the' channels on one side of the press for convenience Atermed the ongoing channel or channels, whence it inds itsway behind the cloths of one series of alternate plates, through these. through the cakes and thence through the cloths covering the other series of alternate plates and out from behind these clothsinto the other chan- 'of un valve 53 which controls the feed of the cleansing medium to the sluicing pipe w is opened, the pipe yu; rotated by means of the movement of the heart -sha ed cam 45 throu h the desired angle an the mixture lterable component and cleansing medium drains out of the press through the bottom center channel 3S by means of the connections 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. This drainage may be facilitated by suction which may be obtained naturally by downward discharge or artificially by a pump or other device connected with the dischar e system. ln the drawings. as will appear rom Figs. 3 and 7 the pipes 40 and 42 are shown connected with the channels a in three of the four corners of the press, but if desired they may connect with openings for causing the liquid, vapor or gas to be admitted into the containers at one or any convenient number of points, either through the intervention ot theI passages a or directly into the containers in substantially the saine general manner as the feed inlets. The pipe lw may be rotated through any arc from zero to three hundred and sixty degrees, and may be reversed back through the saine are, or it may be arranged to be rotated continuously through the complete circle in one direction as may7 be 'found most suitable. Any number of these nozzles mayr be used in connection with any one contailler, and may be used singly or in pairs' or' in any desired numbers, or location.

I claim as m v invention:

1. The combination in a pressure filter with suitable filter plates of a containerprovided with a direct inlet through which the material to be filtered ma)r be introduced into the space Within the same; a direct outlet from the container.' a suitable gate for closing the outlet; and a pipe in front of the gate. provided with a device whereby when the gate is opened a cleansing medium may be introduced under pressure into the space vrithin the container, and the untilterable matter ejected therefrom.

2. The combination in a pressure filter with suitable filter plates of a series of containers each provided with a direct inlet through which the material to be filtered may be introduced into the space within they containers: a directy outlet from cach container, a suitable gate for closing each out let; and a pipe in front of the gates. provided with a series of devices Whereb)r when the gates are opened a cleansing inedium may be introduced under pressure into each of the spaces Within the containers. and the unfilterable mattei' ejected from the interior.

3. The combination in a. pressure filter with suitable filter plates of a container pro4 vided with an inlet through which'the material to be tiltered may be introduced int/0 the space Within the same. and a direct outlet;'a suitable gate-foriclosing the outlet: and a'rotativc pipe in front of the gate provided with a device hereby when the gate is opened a cleansing medium may be. introduced under pressure into the spaces within the container. and the unfilterable matter ejected therejl'rom.

4. The combination in a` pressure filter with suitable filter plates of a series of containers cach provided with a direct inlet through which the material to be filtered may be introduced into the space within the containers; a direct outlet from each container; a suitable gate for closinpl each outlet; and a rotative pipe in front of' the gates provided nilh a series of devices whereby7 when the gates are opened a cleansing rnedium may be introduced under pressure into each ot the spaces within the containers, and the ulifilterahle matter ejected from the interior.

5. The combination in a. pressure filter' with suitable filter plates` of a container provided with a direct inlet through which the material to be filtered :nay be introduced into the space within the same; a direct outlet from the container; a suitable gate for closing the outlet; and a rotative pipe in front of the gates provided with a device whereby when the gate opened a cleansing medium may be introduced under pressure into the space within the container, and the unfiltcrable matter ejected therefrom.

6. The combination in a pressure filter, with suitable filter plates of a container provided with an inlet through which the n1ate rial to be filtered may be introduced into the space within the same, a direct outlet, a suitable gate Jfor closing the outlet, and a device whereby when the gate is opened. a cleansing medium may be introduced under pressure into the s ace within the container, and the unfilterab e material ejected therefrom.

7. The combination in a pressure filter with suitable filter plates of a series of containers each provided with an inlet through which the material to be filtered may be 1ntroduced into the space within the same and a direct outlet suitable means for closingr the outlet z, and a. device whereby when each outlet is opened, a 'cleansing medlum may be introduced under pressure into the space within each container, and the unfilterable matter ejected therefrom.

8. The combination in a pressure filter, with suitable filter plates of a series of containers each provided with an inlet through which the nuiterial to be filtered may be introduced into the space within the same and a direct outlet; a suitable `rate for closing euh outlet, and a device whereby when each gate is opened a cleansing medium may be introduced under pressure into the space Within each container, and the unfilterable material ejected therefrom.

t). The combination in a pressure filter with suitable filter plates of a series ot con.n tainers each provided with an inlet through which the material to he filtered may be in troduced into the space within the same and a direct outlet in the bottom. suitable means for closing the outlets of each container, and a device whereby when each outlet is opened. a cleansing medium :may be intrluluced under pressure into the spaces within the containtr,

and thc unlilterablc :netter ejected thereexterior ot' the from.

l0. The combination with a filter press ot' a suitable container and a rotative washout pipe provided i ith suitable means whereby the same may be rotated at a variable speed approximately inversely proportioi'led to the distance from the openingy in said washout pipe to a point in line therewith on the interior surface of the container.

1.1. ln a filter press` the combination of the rotative washout pipe, a pinion attached thereto; a rod attached at one end to a rack engaging with said pinion; suitable guides in which the rod slides and a cani device ro tated from a` suitable source ot' power cnpjaging with the rod at the other end, whereby a reciprocatii'ig 'mot ion `oli varying speed is imparted through the rack to the washout pipe.

12. In a filter press, the combination of the rotary washout pipe, a pinion attached thereto; a` rod attached at one end to a rack engaging with said pinion; suitable guides in which the rod slides and a cylinder provided with, a suitable groove rotated from a suitable source of power engaging with ne rod at the other end, whereby a reciprocat ing motion of varying speed is imparted through the rack to the washout pipe.

13. In a filter press composed of a series of containers and plates put together, the combination with the horizontal discharge. passage of a discharge outlet from a container placed between the ends of the filter press for facilitating the discharge from the disclxrge passage.

14. Ina filter press composed of a series of containers and plates put together, the combination with the horizontal discharge passage of ay discharge outlet from a container placed between the ends of the filter press below the discharge passage and made in the form of an inverted cone for facilitating;` the discharge from the discharge passage.

15. In a filter press composed of a series of containers and plates put together, the combination with the horizontal discharge passage, of a discharge outlet from a container placed between the ends of the filter press below the outlet channel made in the form of an inverted cone, and ,leading to theI ress and provided with flanges whereby t e same may be coupled to the discharge pipe.

16. ln a filter press composed of a series of containers or plates put together, the combination with the horizontal discharge pas sage of a plurality of discharge outlets from suitable containers of the press placed between the ends of the lter press at convenient distances apart for facilitating discharge from the discharge passage.

1.7. ln a tilter press, the combination With the containers and the filter plates of devices through which the material to be filtered is admitted thereto, devices whereby the solid material in place in the containers may 'be subjected to consecutive treatments by different chemical reagents 4substantially as described, devices by means of which the interior of the containers can be washed ont, Without taking the press apart, and devices by means of which the contents thus washed out may be removed.

1S. ,[11 a filter press, the combination with the containers and the filter plates of a series of pipes controlled by suitable valves through which the material to be filtered is admitted thereto, a series of pipes controlled by suitable valtes whereby the solid material in place in the containers may be subjected to consecutive treatments by diterent chemical reagents substantially as described, a series of devices by means of which the interior of the containers can be washed out, without takin the press apart, and an opening controlle by suitable valves by means of which the contents thus Washed out may be removed.

19. In a filter press, the combination 4with the containers and the filter plates of a series of pipescontrolled by suitable valves through Which the material to be filtered is admitted thereto, a series of pipes controlled by suittrolled by suitable valves by means of which the contents thus Washed out may be removed.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my invention, 1 have signed my name in presence of two witnesses, this 1st day of March 1906.

CHARLES W'. MERRILL. Witnesses HORACE S. CLARK, Gao. D. FocLEsoNG, 

